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Meet SASTA’s Volunteers

Updated: Mar 5



SASTA is delighted to introduce the people who volunteer their time and effort to help the Advancement of Science And Technology in the Arab world.


Yasmine Raslan (Oct 2023 - Feb 2024)


Being part of a community like SASTA, as a recent graduate in the field of Biotechnology, urges me to hasten the pursuit of my scientific passion by completing my postgraduate studies abroad, specifically in the United Kingdom. My dream since childhood has been to become a scientist in the field of genetic engineering and to achieve something through scientific research that benefits the world and leaves a positive impact that inspires youth. My role in SASTA was as a social media and website manager, and I also participated in writing some simple articles.


Volunteering is a great way to discover one’s capabilities and develop and acquire new skills. Volunteering in the field of simplifying and disseminating knowledge or writing about the stories and achievements of successful scientists inspires young people and motivates them to continue striving for their and I also participated in writing some simple articles


Al Hussein Elwan


I’m a 2020 graduate of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology at the German University in Cairo. As devoted as I was to my studies, I was also able during college to pursue my boyhood passion for writing through extracurricular activities, which helped me translate my knack for storytelling into content creation skills. Since then, I have been working professionally as a content creator; most recently for healthcare brands, such as Roche.


I am volunteering at SASTA as a Content Writer, as this is a golden opportunity for me to transition into Science Communication; a field where I could utilize both my academic background and my content creation skills. Even more importantly, I am proud to volunteer at SASTA to shed light on the seminal work of Arab researchers that I admire.



Dana Awwad


I am a second-year Medical Student at Cardiff University. For the past few years, my love for research and science has driven me constantly to seek new opportunities. I have previous research experience in; sepsis, cancer genetics and psychopathology. My love for Syria and the Arab World started long before I took my first steps in the narrow streets of Damascus. I joined SASTA as a Virtual Conference Organiser and Fundraiser, a chance to indulge more in the research and science in the Arab World, learn and grow.

I love hiking, adventures, sports and music.



David Okeke


I am David Okeke, a web programmer from Nigeria. I am a fourth-year medical student from the University of Benin, Nigeria. I started coding 2 years ago during the COVID lockdown and I have built many projects since then. I joined SASTA as a web developer volunteer to increase my experience and improve my skills. I also joined to network with leaders in the Science and Technology world.





Lana Koubaitary


I graduated recently from the University of Jordan with a BSc in Clinical Laboratory Sciences. I am looking for the best chance to continue my graduate studies and become a research scientist. My love for my homeland, Syria, and the dream of repeating Arab science in the golden age has brought me here; I’m proudly joining SASTA as an Administrative Assistant Volunteer, which will open the doors for me to enter and contribute to the Arab world of research and science and to improve my skills. I’m an Art Assistant at Qubatrus Art and Design Studio. Also, I’m a Translator Volunteer at Hathi-Hayati non-profit organization that supports displaced Syrians and refugees. I believe that we should all take care of the one world we live in, so I participate in environmental fieldwork that aims to decrease climate change.



Reem Khalaf


I am a 5th year pharmacy student at Mansoura University. In my first year, I attended a research conference for students where we were allowed to present an already-published paper as a means of practising our presentation and critical thinking skills. This was my first encounter with research, and I knew I wanted to do more! I then learned the basics of scientific research and tried my best to improve my scientific skills.


When I learned about SASTA from my friend, Aya, who was a volunteer secretary, I decided to volunteer at SASTA as soon as possible to learn and grow in such a rich environment. SASTAs’ vision and mission to gather all Arab scientists worldwide into one platform was one of my dreams. I am happy to see it becoming true and even happier to be part of it!


I volunteered as a Graphic Designer as this field became my new passion. I wish all Arabs know about SASTA, contribute to it, and believe in its goals!



Nour Marwan


I am a senior undergraduate majoring in biotechnology at MSA University in Cairo, Egypt. At a young age, I developed a passion for science and research. Furthermore, for my industrial project, I have successfully created and written a research grant that incorporates cancer biology, marine biotechnology, and nanotechnology for safer cancer drug delivery. Growing up in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, I have witnessed evolutionary growth within the scientific and medical sectors. This eye-opening experience made me aspire to shed light on the message of evolutionary science in the Arab world and become a part of the STEM community in Egypt that would aid in evolving scientific research. I joined SASTA as a social media and website manager volunteer to gain experience, build connections within the scientific community, and share SASTA’s message regarding research and science in the Arab world.


I also love learning languages, photography, volunteering in local environmental activities, reading, and writing.



Aya Abbas (Feb 2021 – Oct 2021)


I am a 3rd level pharmacy student at Mansoura University, Egypt. I graduated from a special high school education system in Egypt initiated to nurture the best achievers in middle school in a critical thinking, teamwork, and innovation environment, a system to which I am deeply indebted, so I always gratefully introduce myself as a STEM School alumnus. Recently, I began volunteering as a secretary at SASTA. Before SASTA, I volunteered at the Egyptian Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation. I am also passionate about science communication; I was a semifinalist at FameLab-Egypt. Apart from science, I love reading, cinema, and Islamic Art.



Aya Karkout (Until Jun 2021)


My name is Aya Karkout, I am a Business Management graduate from Damascus University, and I have worked in Translation for 5 years. I am a volunteer Social Media Manager at SASTA and a volunteer Translator at Researchers. I work in translation and Content Creation in a popular science magazine, at Haykal Media. My goal is to participate as much as possible, in making news about science and technology available for everyone.





Dana Hawasheen (Apr 2021 – Jun 2022)


I am an aspiring researcher studying Clinical Laboratory Sciences at The University of Jordan. I am a young student who found joy and passion in science and research, therefore, it’s such a pleasure for me to be surrounded by a scientific atmosphere which helps enhance one’s knowledge by exchanging experiences and motivation. I recently volunteered as the social media and website manager for SASTA, and I am quite proud of SASTA’s mission and values and very thankful for such a society that gathers us as Arabs on one platform for a shared vision of a better Arab world through science.


I love discovering new things, cultures, and languages, and I plan to travel worldwide! I also find inspiration in kids and cats!



Nooralhuda Arkan (Until Feb 2021)


Graduated with a BS in Biomedical Engineering in 2018 and started to work at Harvard Medical School in George Church Lab. I am working on a Brain connectomics Project and aspire to start my graduate studies in the upcoming years. While working in different labs, I met many Arab visiting scholars who were highly intelligent and talented which prompted my interest to work with SASTA.





 Rana Badran (Apr 2021 – Jan 2022)

Graduating with a degree in Logistics from the German Jordanian University not only helped me see the world of supply chain but also how things flow from one point to the next in a seamless manner. My degree along with my international & local experience paved the way for me to see the world in a new light. Maintaining a high quality and keeping tabs on everything gave me the ability to multitask.


My achievements in my university and my job have always played a major role in motivating me and keeping me on track. But to me, true success does not only include our jobs, it also includes how we can impact others and make this world a better place. Hence, I have a deep interest in taking a role in such a great initiative as SASTA. I am now the Administrative officer Volunteer for the Open University at SASTA.



Dr Zareen Fatima (Mar 2021 – Aug 2021)


I completed my PhD in Molecular Biology (Specialization: Virology) from the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore Pakistan. My work is on studying viral phylodynamics to understand the spread of viruses, especially arbo viruses, during epidemics. I served as Assistant Professor of Biology and Bioinformatics in Pakistan for three years. I have done extensive work on dengue viral infection in Pakistan and now reside in Toronto Canada. I love animals, and in my free time write fictional stories to highlight the emotions of humans. 


I have joined SASTA as the Content Writer. The mission of SASTA is to bring together a community of specialized Arab scientists on one platform which will help in the capacity building and promotion of science and research in Arab countries. This targeted approach by SASTA is an example to help other similar organizations around the globe. Kindly review the links provided on the website for more information on SASTA and its resources.



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